by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 8, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
A week has passed since welterweight champion Belal Muhammad announced he’d be withdrawing from UFC 310 due to a foot infection, leaving Shavkhat Rakhmonov’s opponent uncertain. With no final decision from UFC matchmakers, one possible scenario is a high-stakes matchup between Rakhmonov and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman for an interim title at the December 7 pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Rakhmonov has pushed for the fight to go forward, while Usman, appearing on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo, showed willingness to accept the short-notice challenge. Though he hasn’t been formally approached by UFC officials, Usman spoke candidly on the situation for the first time, highlighting his readiness. “If the UFC calls, they know I’m crazy enough to step in there on short notice, and if we’ve got to do it, we’ve got to do it,” Usman remarked.
The 37-year-old former champion (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has experience with last-minute fights. In 2020, he defended his title against Jorge Masvidal on six days’ notice, earning a unanimous decision victory. However, his more recent short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023 saw him fall in a close majority decision. Currently on a three-fight skid, Usman last fought at UFC 294 and hasn’t won since defending his title in 2021. Now, his potential return on December 7 would add another chapter to his storied career, as he remains open to taking on any challenge.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 8, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The first edition of a table tennis tournament with a prize pool of N10 million, organized by the Western Zone of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in partnership with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, will commence on December 1 at the Not Bad Sports Arena, Egbeda, Lagos State.
Organizers promise a dynamic and engaging event, intended to foster unity and camaraderie among professionals in maritime, aviation, and border sectors. The tournament will bring together government agencies, industry stakeholders, and sports enthusiasts for networking and friendly competition to wrap up the year.
Participants include teams from the Nigeria Customs Service, NIMASA, Shippers Council, Licensed Customs Agents, Terminal Operators, Shipping Companies, and Bonded Terminal Operators. Each participating organization will register a four-player team.
ANLCA also expressed gratitude to sponsors, including Settle System Nigeria Limited, FEMSON International Agencies, SKELAS Nigeria Ltd., Classic Marine, SIFAX Group, and others, whose support is essential to the tournament’s success.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 8, 2024 | Africa, International, Other Sports
Moroccan cyclist Mohcine El Kouraji clinched victory in the 35th edition of the Tour du Faso, Africa’s renowned cycling competition, securing the yellow jersey after a stellar performance across all ten stages. El Kouraji’s control and skill helped Morocco dominate the race, with a cumulative finish time of 27 hours, 28 minutes, and 21 seconds, placing him just ahead of his teammates who took the second and third spots on the podium.
Malian cyclist Tiémoko Diamouténé won the final 119.8 km stage from Boussé to Ouagadougou, completing it in 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 2 seconds, making history as the first Malian to win a Tour du Faso stage. Driss El Alouni of Morocco also earned accolades as the best young cyclist, highlighting Morocco’s strong presence.
Morocco topped the general team rankings, with El Kouraji and his teammates securing three stage victories. Russia also excelled, achieving four stage wins and winning the green jersey through Anton Popov, who recorded the highest lap count and most stage wins, as well as the points jersey by Mamyr Statsh. Burkina Faso, winner of the 2023 edition, achieved a single stage victory with Wahabou Bouda.
The race concluded in Ouagadougou with Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Burkina Faso, attending the final ceremony to celebrate the competitors
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, International, Other Sports
The 6th Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open kicks off on Thursday, November 7, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. This year’s event welcomes athletes from the United Kingdom, Iran, Iraq, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, and host country Nigeria.
Sunday Odebode, founder and President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), expressed excitement at a press conference on November 6, praising the growth in participation, with players from across Europe, Asia, and Africa. “The turnout this year shows how the tournament is expanding and gaining global attention. We’re thrilled to welcome more international players,” Odebode shared.
ITTF Para Manager Pablo Perez praised Nigeria’s rising profile in para table tennis, acknowledging the ITTF’s support for this African event. He highlighted Nigerian players’ international success, especially Isau Ogunkunle, who won bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. “The performance of Nigerian athletes reflects their dedication. We’re glad to witness another tournament here and recognize the hard work of Odebode and his team,” Perez said.
According to referee Asko Rasinen, over 30 players have been certified by classifiers, a step that allows them to start their professional careers. Valuejet’s Marketing and Communication Manager Uchechi Achomadu reaffirmed the airline’s support, applauding the athletes’ resilience and encouraging strong competition.
Isau Ogunkunle, who brought home a bronze medal in Men’s Class 5 at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, described his time in Paris as life-changing and aims to defend his title this year.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 7, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), in collaboration with Balmoral Group, has launched a comprehensive three-day training program for boxing referees and judges. The event, which started on November 5 and concludes on November 7, is held at the Brai Ayanote Boxing Gym in Lagos’ National Stadium, Surulere. Esteemed Ghanaian boxing official Rogers Barnor, known globally for his expertise, leads the training sessions. Balmoral Group of Promotions, under CEO Ezekiel Adamu, sponsors the event, covering all related expenses, including travel, accommodations, and stipends.
Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, NBBofC President, highlighted the goal of this initiative as an effort to elevate the quality of officiating in Nigerian boxing. “Good officiating is essential for the growth of our sport. Rogers Barnor’s experience will greatly benefit our referees and judges, setting higher standards that support the development of boxing in Nigeria,” Ladipo remarked.
Barnor expressed enthusiasm for the turnout, noting the strong initial attendance. “I’m pleased with the level of engagement. This training is about quality, and we aim to elevate Nigerian boxing to its past renown,” he shared.
NBBofC Secretary General Remi Aboderin added that the training reflects a commitment to achieving international standards in Nigerian boxing officiating. Former heavyweight champion Adewunmi Babatunde and NBBofC referee Oluseyi George also praised the program’s impact, emphasizing its role in advancing the sport. Participants will receive certification upon completing both theoretical and practical training modules.
